Below is a news release on a policy statement appearing in the March issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive the full text of this report, please contact the AAP Department of Communications.

For Release: March 5, 2007, 12:01 am (ET)

CHICAGO - With 20 percent of employers now offering high-deductible insurance plans (HDHP), which are essentially catastrophic health insurance plans, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is concerned about risks these plans place on children. A new AAP policy statement, “High-Deductible Health Plans and the New Risks of Consumer-Driven Health Products,” discusses the implications of HDHPs on families and pediatricians. Of particular concern is that families with HDHPs are likely to delay or avoid seeking care when they are faced with paying for care before the deductible is met, which means these children may not get the preventive care they need for long-term good health. The financial risks are significant under HDHPs, especially for low- to moderate-income families and for families whose children have special health care needs. Among the recommendations, the policy advocates that coverage be provided for preventive services including well-child care, immunizations and appropriate screenings. Preventive services should be covered before the deductible is met.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.